The Pig Planter

A cast stone planter is a vessel used as a growing environment for flowers, succulents and other plants. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The term cast stone refers to the material used to produce the planters. It is a mix of fiber clay, magnesium and concrete finished to resemble carved stone. You'll find a wide variety of antique and vintage planters on 1stDibs.

Yes, ceramic planters can be good for plants, especially if they feature drainage holes that allow excess water to run out. However, some ceramic glazes and finishes may contain chemicals that shouldn't come in contact with edible plants. Using a vessel designed specifically for use as a planter will typically allow you to avoid these substances. On 1stDibs, find a variety of ceramic planters.

Whether ceramic planters are good for outside depends on their design. While ceramic is a weather-resistant material, some paints and glazes may not be able to withstand the effects of sunlight, moisture and extreme temperatures. As a result, you should only place ceramic planters intended for outdoor use outside your home. On 1stDibs, find a range of outdoor ceramic planters.

Yes, you can generally use cast iron as a planter because the material is durable and sturdy. However, you may need to drill drainage holes in a cast iron piece that wasn't intended to function as a planter to allow excess water to exit the vessel. On 1stDibs, find a selection of cast iron planters.

Yes, concrete planters do absorb water. Concrete is porous and will absorb moisture from its environment, which will cause moss to grow on the outside of the planter. You’ll find a variety of concrete planters from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Willy Guhl planters are made out of a variety of materials. For these furnishings, Guhl tended toward industrial materials, which he bent and shaped into organic forms for a striking juxtaposition. Much of his work was crafted from either concrete or Eternit, a mixture of cement and asbestos developed by the Belgian company Etex, which, in the 1950s, commissioned Guhl and his students at the School of Applied Arts to conceive Guhl's now-acclaimed planters in the material. Find a selection of Willy Guhl planters on 1stDibs.

If your planter boxes aren't made of a very porous material, you should add drainage holes to avoid accidentally drowning your plants or flowers. However, if the material is porous, the water will naturally pass through.

Because proper drainage is essential to a healthy plant, whether the plan is indoors or outdoors, drainage holes are a necessity. This prevents root rot, fungus, and bacteria from forming in the plant.